labour bag

Its about time I started packing my labour bag. At the moment it contains 1 packet of maternity pads and 1 packet of breast pads. I've seen quite a few lists of what to pack but I was wondering if any of you ladies could tell me what items you packed that you couldn't live without and what you packed that you never used.
Thanx for your time

I was in hospital a week and kept sending DH home for stuff.

Vasaline for my lips as they went dry and i could not drink anything.
I had book and puzzle books to pass the time.

What baby things have you packed ??

I laboured (and gave birth) at home, so I never used anything out of my bag, but the things I used in hospital was two packs of maternity pads (and I used almost all of them) juice boxes, SOFT TOILET PAPER (I thought I'd be alright, and didn't pack any, but sent DPs sister out for some the first day!) button up shirts. That's really all I used. Of course, you'll need baby clothes, and nappies if your hospital doesn''t supply them.

For all those prosepctive mothers out the who are planning on using cloth nappies, Target sell a cloth nappy cover made from polar fleece-like material that closes with velcro. Buy three. They are better than plastic pilchers, and you don't need to pin the nappy. We had two of the cotton/pvc sort but the leg elastic kept getting wet after a few changes. We went to buy more, but all they had were the polar fleece ones. Now we only go through one a day (unless he poos in it) and it doesn't get overly wet, not even after 3 hours. Brandon has recently moved in size 000, and is getting too big for that even, but the 0000 nappy covers still fit, and have a little more room left to grow even. So if you are going cloth, get some of them!


Sorry to hijack your thread, as you probably won't need these in hospital (ours gave us plastic things to use) but you'll want to buy them before you get home, as you won''t want to go anywhere in the first few days!

Oh, I had lots of lollies and chocolate in my labour bag, but saved them for once I got to hospital and Brandon was born before I got there, so that was that.

I packed 4 pkts of maternity pads. You will be changing them ALOT in those first few days

Clothes & Nappies for the baby
Book, trashy magazines to pass the time
Pen to fill in forms that you will get (also helps pass the time)
A bit of money in case you want to buy something of the cart that comes around or to make a phone call.
loose fitting pants
nighties or shirts with front access for breast feeding
breast pads
slippers
dressing gown

FOOD for both you and DH during labour.

Love :hbeat:

- I also packed 4pkts of Maternity pads - I went through about a pack a day for the first few days...
- Clothes, nappies, and plenty of wipes for baby (I had to send DP home to get more!)
- About 4 bunny rugs, or wraps for baby.
- Make sure to pack loose clothes (even your old maternity ones!), because your stomach will still be quite big after giving birth... (I made the mistake of thinking mine would shrink more than it actually did!)
- I also brought a $10 prepaid Telstra Phoneaway card, where you just type in the code and can make outgoing calls from your bedside phone, rather than having to walk to a payphone.
- Don't forget your own toiletries ie. deoderant, shampoo, showergel...

I actually didnt need my breast pads as I went home on day 2, and my milk didn't come in until day 4...

I also packed about 4 packets of maternity pads (although the hospital supplied them while I was in there)
Lip balm
Comfy clothes
Baby clothes, wipes etc...
Magazines (to pass the time)
Camera plus extra film
Socks (if your feet get cold during labour, I was told to bring some)

Kazz & co \:D/
Nicholas 26/10/02

I was given some lovely Body Shop pamper stuff: nice shampoos and conditioner etc. It was a nice small size to pack into my hospital bag, so I took it, not really expecting to use it. But........I am SO glad I did. I felt so grotty from bleeding that I had a couple of showers a day in hospital and it was SO nice to use nice products and to get out of the shower smelling gorgeous and feeling fresh........

Also I took a big coffee mug.....hospital cups are tiny!

And a nice fat juicy novel.

I also took a nice big fluffy bath towel (hospital towels are a bit scratchy)
I also had some lavendar oil for actual labour which was lovely.

Darwin private Hospital supplies a CD player in the delivery suite so I had also packed some CD's and I am really glad I did. (Every time I hear Norah Jones I think about finally meeting my Olivia!)

Totally agree on the massive supplies of maternity pads. I found the cheapo homebrand ones from Woolies to be the nicest softest ones....slimline blah blah with wings etc just didn't do it for me.....I needed a bit of old fashioned sanitary bulk to feel secure!

I would pack more maternity pads!!
Also don't forget maternity bras, even if you don't breastfeed, you may need support. I had to sleep with them on as I was so uncomfortable.
Vasaline, I read someplace (might have been here???) that it's good to put on bubs bum when they do the black poos (easier to clean off) apparentaly.
Day clothes.
Shoes of some description, they don't like you to walk around barefooted.
Essential oils, if your into that kind of thing.

I think everyone has got everything else covered.

Jo

Don't forget to check out the BellyBelly check list on the main website ;) Always great to get others ideas too - you just never know ;) Click HERE!

*I packed a small grownsuite for Emily and she JUST fitted into it, I think I would be sure to pack two different sizes just incase.
*phonecard, definately, saves travelling all over the place for a pay phone.
*LOTS of undies!
*Camera and film, and a video camera if you have one.
Tanya

as for labour- socks and a nice nighty. anything that helps you feel comfy!
this time i'm thinking of trying some aromababy massage oil.
i agree totally with wanting to feel clean after bubs is born. i always treat myself to a really nice set, shower jel, body lotion, etc. it always makes that time a little more bareable.
- my own pillow and blanket.
-i find butten down tops a little gapey. i prefer to use t-shirts for day and night.
-munchies! but i dont recomend chocolate as it gives baby wind!
- definatilly camera and extra film, and this time we will have a camcorder!
- baby diary if you keep one. ive got one for each of my kids, they'er very special.
- for night time i wear sports tops instead of a bra. its actually alot better for your breasts.
- thankyou notes so you can keep up with who gave you what!
i think that will do for now!
TDBear

all that i packed has alreay been metniones :D

Lesley

would you pack anything different for a planned caesarean?? Just wondering since I might have one. I guess you need more of most things since you'll be in hospital for longer, huh?

Snowy - I didn't know I was having a caesarian, but I needed all the same stuff... the thing I loved most that I packed was my nice shower gel, that smelled lovely, it really helped.

Heaps of loose clothes, one thing Snowy was that all my undies & pants hit right where my caesarian scar was so I had to get DH to bring some pants in that didn't hit me right there as that was painful, so maybe some pants & granny undies that hit you high up... I used DH's sweat pants everyday...

This is hospital bag stuff:

- went through 2 packs maternity pads (caesarian...)
- maternity bras
- two loose fitting outfits & heaps of spare undies!
- all bathroom essentials...
- book
- pens & paper for lists...I love lists... 8-[ (writing down who sent what)
- snacks snacks snacks.... snacks... snacks...
- check with your hospital... we had to pay to watch the TV's...
- cd player & cd's
- lip balm
- lotion for you

Labour bag:
- boiled lollies or lollies to suck, as much as I don't like them in real life the barley sugars were great during the long labour & didn't complicate the caesarian either...
- water
- shower stuff
- back massager
- spare clothes for me, bathers for DH
- cd's
- aromatherapy oils
- massage oil

Baby Stuff:

- 2 0000 grow suits & 2 000 grow suits
- 2 wraps
- some wipes (although we didn't use all the ones the bounty bag had... we used some washers to wet down & wipe off the meconium)
- 1 pack newborn nappies
- dummy
- lotion for overcooked baby
- baby nail clippers!!!!! VERY important!
- mittens (in case you forget the nail clippers and can't bite the nails off)

I can't remember what else... but I did use the list on the BB main site for help in packing too!! Well... in preparing to pack because I didn't actually finalise packing until the day of induction...LOL! I needed something to do!

ROFL at the 2 000 growsuits Christy!!!!! I swear I brought along at least that many!! ;-)

I had the forsesight to bring along baby nail clippers, but when the time came I was WAY to scared to use them on his delicate fingers, and too scared to bite the nails off as well.
So for anyone that is a wuss like me - one of those cardboard nail files will work a treat instead! :)

ahhh... the nail file is a great idea!

I found one of those electric hand massagers EXCELLENT!!! I don't like those hard plastic ones... It was great on the back during contractions.

Tanya

I haven't hit 30 weeks yet but DH wants to me to organise what I need for the labour bag. I guess with Christmas and having to move coming up, it pays to be organised.

Thanks for all the great tips ladies and I will be taking all on board... Kelly, I want to access the main list on the main website but it's down!! Any chance of emailing it to me or something? Please?

TIA :)

Make-up! I made sure I slapped on a bit before visitors arrived. Hearing "Wow, you look fantastic for a new mum" is a nice pick-me-up. It helps with all those piccies too. Something nice smelling for the shower helps when you are feeling a bit grungy with the lochia (tmi!). Dont forget phone numbers and decent coffee! My MIL made up a batch of slices and biscuits that we brought with us for labour energy and they were great later on when I never seemed to have time to eat my hospital brekkie.

just a note re the makeup. a tinted moistureiser would be a great option to take, you can just smooth it is without worrying about a mirror or having a mask, or it coming off on sheets etc and is much lighter than foundation. has enough colour to give your face a lift though, ill be packing mine for sure.

I also would like to see the check lists but since the main page is down I can't access them If anybody has them and can post them in this thread it would be most appreciated.

Hi Meli and everyone else.

The main site is now back up so you can now view the article about your labour bag that a few people have mentioned in here. It consists of stuff for mum-to-be, baby and extras, plus a few "member suggestions"

What to pack in your labour bag

I hope this helps you all out somewhat, and may benefit many other new mums to be that have not yet seen this thread.

Love

To take to hospital:-
(This list is assuming a very short stay)
For labour & birth:-
- cameras & chargers & tripod
- food & drinks (see list)
- CDs & battery powered cd player with speakers
- aromatherapy gear
- wheat bags
- face washers (hospital ones too thin)
- incontinence pads/pants (waters broken/leaking)
- my handbag with phone, diary, purse, lip balm, notepad, pen etc
- for Lindsay: his drugs, his glasses, bathers, trakkie dacs, change of clothes
- perhaps about 4 pillows, unless we can be sure to get extra ones at the hospital, which would be much easier. Maybe the big cushions too.
- Bed socks
- mirror
For babies:-
- baby clothes (2 growsuits, singlets & hats per bub)
- baby nail clippers (added thanks to Christy above)
- nappies
- Sorbolene cream
- Cotton wool
- 4 bunny rugs
For me after birth:-
- 2 nursing bras
- 6 pairs undies
- plastic bags for dirty washing
- nursing pads
- super duper pads, turbo charged with wings & landing gear, 2 packs
- pyjamas
- clothes & shoes to wear home
- dressing gown & slippers
- brush, comb, shampoo, conditioner, soap, moisturizer, deodorant, cotton buds & balls, tissues, baby wipes, glasses, contacts, saline, makeup, makeup remover, hairdryer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razor
Food for family:-
-8 rounds of sandwiches/rolls, nice ones
-2 doz juice boxes
-8 pieces fruit
-box of proper tea bags
-cake, lollies, muesli bars, biscuits etc
-fruit knife, few plastic spoons, plastic plate
Food just for me:-
-2 nice sandwiches/rolls
-2 doz juice boxes
-4 oranges, 6 mandarins
-2 bags mini flake chocolates

Hi,

I was reading the article on the main page, it mentioned a 'birthing ball'. What's that?

They have the birthing balls at the hospital to use if you want to. They are big soft rubber balls and you can use then to lie on or use them to help you rock on to try to relieve the pain. I have heard they aren't bad to take into the shower with you to lie over while the hot water is going on your back. I have never used one before as I don't move much while I am in labour. LOL

They are those fit balls - you can buy them from sports shops and are wonderful! No good for second stage of labour but good for first stage. They are also fabulous to use before and after, as a replacement for a chair/seat. Great for your posture and very comfy. One of my friends said she used to sit on it and bounce with her newborn to help her sleep too :)

i pack baby wipes for me too. i find i feel cleaner after using them with so much blood in the first few days, otherwise i feel like i need to shower every minute of the day!

good luck
beckles

Beckles, that is an excellent idea!!! =D>

*going to pack extra wipes for moi*

Thanks :)

I didnt' pack much and didn't use much. I only ended up staying 2 nights. I had two showers and only washed my hair once. I used two tshirts, tracksuit pants, about 2 pairs of undies and I used the hospital pads, nappies, wipes. I only needed one outfit and one wrap to take baby home in. (I took two lots, one winter one summer).
I didn't eat a thing in labour. I took barley sugars and didn't open them (I still have them at home, eat one now and then)!! The hospital supplied the birth ball, drinks etc. I took one bottle of water. They gave me juices and water during labour. I just wore what I had on in labour. A skirt and tshirt. Ended up taking skirt off and having gown over me. Had to throw tshirt out, so dont' wear a good one!!
I couldn't have gone without my phone and camera, but apart from that, teh hospital supplied most. I was a public patient at a public hosp.
I did get DH to bring in a jumper and tshirt, sometimes the air con made it cold in the room.
I had a short labour, but DH didnt' eat anything nor drink anything. The hospital gave him juice anyway. I foudn teh hospital gave us everything even though the letter I got said to bring it all.
xoxo

You can buy wipes now that are designed for adults but I can't remeber who makes them.

I'd be a bit hesitant to use the wipes too. I just used one of those cheap sauce bottles when I went to the loo after having Yasin. I found that if poured a bit of water over the area while I was peeing it didn't sting and that afterwards washing up with some water and blotting dry was heaps gentler than wiping IYKWIM (sorry for TMI).

I packed masses of stuff for labour and didn't use any of it. Not even the old nightie (I went nude and didn't care!).

Our hospital supplied everything for baby so all we needed was 1 outfit (000) to wear home and a hat when he was cold after his bath.

So you probably need less than you think :-)

My only advice is to get one of those 10 packs of cheap undies from Kmart you can throw out after and some nice herbal teas (check which ones are safe) as hospital tea and coffee is awful.

I'm an advocate of those disposable 'net underpants'. You can either wash them and they dry relatively quickly, or just throw them away (not very environmentally friendly I do admit... :oops: )
I pack a small backpack with snacks and a book, drinks and other stuff I think Hubby needs this time around (all the telephone/mobile numbers he needs etc, phone charger) and stuff for #1 son to eat/drink when he visits.
Chocolate in every form I could fit into my suitcase.
Lanolin for my lips (as I find it's the best for not re-drying them as some lip balms are prone to do)
As Tanya mentioned, I take one of those plastic hand-held massage thingies *awesome* for getting in deep for those contraction back rubs, I was demanding the 'octopus' for each contraction!!! (mine is a purple octopus shaped one with a stupid smiley face.....but I love him dearly for the service he provided the first time around)
As it's my second one, I'm packing a 'present' for the new bub to give to #1, as well as a couple of little treats for him to have when he visits (and a couple of his fave books) I have also heard it's a good idea to pack a photo of the firstborn sibling to put by your bed (I was going to do this anyway) as it shows the firstborn child that they are still important to you and that you're thinking of them when they aren't there.
I am lucky enough to be having my bub in a hospital which has DVD players in the rooms - so I'll be packing a few of those too.
I am a super organised freak, and have made 'Thank you ' Cards (did the first time too) and stamps so the thank you's are fresh in my mind when I receive flowers or a gift, and I can post them straight away. Sad Huh?
I make sure I have everything in my handbag too at all times, so I can just grab it as I run out the door. I keep the nappy bag permanantly stocked too, so I know #1 son will be OK if we have to leave in a hurry and someone else has to look after him for a short while until Hubby can come for him.

:) I packed a super-dooper labour bag (plus I had a hospital stay bag & Maddy's nappy bag) and I don't think I opened it past getting my sister to pass me a couple of lollies VERY early in labour and to get the camera out. *L*

My favourite things that I was SO glad I brought to the hospital -

- a pack of VERY cheap phonebook thickness pads were AWESOME for the first few days. I could barely sit down and I felt like I had been straddling a horse for a week (when you consider how much you have to split your thighs during labour if you labour on your back, it's no wonder!). The fancier 'ultra thin maternity pads with wings' were great for the next week or so.

- $1.50 black granny underwear from Best'n'less. I bought 6 pairs and I loved them. Still do, with my flap of stretchmarked flab still remaining on my tummy. Not having hipsters on made the pads feel so much more secure for me. Seriously though...black is a MUST. I don't think i'd have been able to keep wearing them post-hospital if they'd been light coloured.

- slippers. Travelling to the shower, baby-bathing room etc was so much more comfortable with these on.

- button-up or tie-up shirts for feeding baby. So much more discreet if you're in a public hospital and sharing a room with 3 other ladies. That many people in a room means LOTS of visitors and it helps to not have to close and re-open the curtains around your bed all of the time.

- warm clothes for bubby! I packed alot of short-sleeved growsuits for Maddy but she seemed to like the warmest ones. Hospitals tend to be air-conned and the first day she was born she was in a Bonds long-sleeved growsuit, a beanie and two blankets wrapped around her. I had assumed her being a December baby that she'd be literally sleeping in not much else than a nappy & singlet.

- my own roll of SOFT toilet paper. I bought a two-pack of the softest Sorbent toilet paper I could find, the hypo-allergenic one. No way was I wiping my stitched-bits with rough toilet paper.

Wow aren't you organised!! Some great ideas too.
I thought about presents for Yasin from number 2 but then I forgot all about it - thanks for the reminder.

OK - this is a great topic!

When I had Allegra, I guess I was lucky that I didnt have to bring too much with me. As I was in a private hospital the towels were nice, the toilet paper soft so I didnt have to worry about bring any of those supplies with me (thank goodness, I would have had to pack as if I were going to europe!)

I found the best things I bought with me to the hospital were (keeping in mind I had a caesar so didnt have a labour bag as such):

1. My GHD hair straightener. The day after Allegra was born I washed my hair and gave it a quick run over with the straightener. It made me feel human again and I also dont cringe at the photos!!

2. My Diary. Everytime we were sent flowers or had a visitor, I wrote down when they came and what gift we recieved so I was able to write detailed thank you notes.

3. I used to slim maternity pads and found them great. Although I am lucky that I didnt bleed too heavy.

4. Champagne flutes and champagne. I guess it depends on your hospital. My room had a bar fridge, so DH filled it with Champagne, mineral water and beer so when we had visitors they were able to all have a toast to the baby. The mineral water was a godsend as I found that I was always thirsy and always at the times when the drinks trolley is on another floor!

5. Nice personal products - pack nice shower gels etc. You really do feel like a million bucks afterwards.. and a shower cap. I always use one, expecially good if you dont want your hair wet!!

6. Clothing. During the day (outside of visiting hours) I wore my yoga pants and singlets which were comfortable and easy for feeding etc but I made sure I packed a few nice skirts (elastic waist) and some pretty singlets for when we had visitors. I just felt more human changing into something pretty for when we had visitors. I got these singlets from Country Road which were silk and this silk gypsy style skirt and I felt great when people came around!!

OK - Im kind of vain... in case you didnt notice.

7. Even though everything was provided for bubs by the hospital, I bought along her own clothing which was a nice touch.

Yes! Black nanny nickers are a must! Being high waisted they kinda make you feel more "tucked in" and the huge pads you have to wear feel more secure in them. Bonds make a particulary comfy brand that are made out of breathable cotton but a little lyrca which holds everything in nicely.

Trailmix instead of sweets. The energy lasts longer during labour and it's also nice to nibble on in the middle of the night when you are feeding baby or when you miss a meal because you're feeding baby and you only need one hand to eat it! Coles have a great 1kilo bag of extra yummy trailmix with all the good stuff in it... I bought one last birth and it lasted me my week in hospital nicely.

Love the idea of being more prepared for thankyou letters and a gift for your toddler/older children! :)

Not for labour, but something I wish I'd packed was the hug a bub. I spent 3 hours straight with Kynan on the boob on night 2 as that was the only way I could get him to sleep. Would have been nice if I could have just popped him into the sling. Will definitely be taking it next time!

Oh and throat lozenges! I must have gotten quite vocal during labour and my throat was sore for a couple of days after LOL!

wow

some great ideas here - dach love the sauce bottle one.

one thing i have noticed in all 3 of my labours is that my feet get extremely cold and it really put me off concentrating - so for me warm socks were a must - oh just cheapies cause i ended up chucking mine (they were a bit yucky at the end of it all)

Love the sauce bottle idea, and the champagne too. And yes, you need to write down gifts if you can't thank the people in person. A notebook is essential, there's lots of things you need to write down. Lozenges would have been good for me too, I yell really loud. And one of the nicest presents I got was some aromatherapy shower gel given to me in hospital, just what I needed.